JAMMU AND KASHMIR GOVT TO DEVELOP 181 VILLAGES UNDER TVDP

to the Department of Information and Public Relations JK, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has identified 181 villages with picturesque beauty and cultural significance for transformation into tourist destinations under the Tourist Villages Development Program (TVDP) in order to strengthen the rural economy and empower youth and women with direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Registered youth and Self-Help Groups are given the chance to participate in the government's effort to promote rural tourism in J & K through Mission Youth's project.

According to the official statement, the youth-led sustainable tourism initiative will strengthen the rural economy and community entrepreneurship, empowering youth and women by providing direct and indirect employment opportunities. This step will showcase the landscapes, indigenous knowledge systems, cultural diversity and heritage, local values and traditions, besides encouraging film shooting and offering financial incentives as well as ensuring a digital platform for all these villages, the Indian news agency reported.

Another initiative called "Rise Together" aims to foster community-based entrepreneurship as much as possible in order to create employment, income, and to encourage the sense of social service among new-generation young businesspeople in J&K. As part of the programme, qualified youth groups receive financial support up to the amount of Rs 20 lakh, which is made up of a loan from the Bank in the amount of Rs 17.50 lakh and an upfront subsidy component minimum of Rs 2.5 lakh or 10% of the project cost.

Within the next five years, the administration wants to engage all of Jammu and Kashmir's young people and act as a catalyst for the state's socioeconomic change.